Now reaching to 11.

When SRAM re-introduced Red in 2012, there was nothing more its engineers could do to make it better. It had been redesigned throughout, targeting specific areas of the drivetrain at the requests of the world's best cyclists. SRAM concluded that adding more gearing to the equation was the only conceivable improvement required. So once again its engineers began refining their marquee groupset. The result is that now, without adding any weight, SRAM delivers the new iteration of Red with 22 gears. While other manufacturers would call this an 11-speed groupset, SRAM calls the system 'True 22,' as twenty-two is the numeric expression of exactly how many useable, trim-free gears you receive. With True 22 you're able to utilize every gear, in any combination, even when cross-chaining.

For the new Red 22 Shifters, SRAM carried over the ErgoFit bodies and internals of its Red Ergo Dynamic Shifters, with the exception of them now being built with an 11th indent. In designing the Red Ergo Dynamic Shifters, SRAM focused its research and development on perfecting their shape, texture, and materials. SRAM retained the internals of the first-generation Red DoubleTap levers, and brought laser-like focus to ergonomics.

The new ErgoFit bodies are somewhat smaller in diameter when compared side-to-side with the original Red. This improves grip and finger wrap by allowing more room under the hood for a control- and comfort-boosting connection. The new shape offers a smooth transition from bar to hood and SRAM covered it with lightly padded, textured rubber to thwart fatigue and enhance grip. They also reshaped the hoods, increasing the size of the bulge up top for increased leverage and comfort when you're stretched out, putting extra pressure on the hoods.

Because the internals carry over, or have been slightly modified to fit the new body, the Red 22 levers retain the crisp movement between gears SRAM mastered with the first-generation Red. The key to this is SRAM's ZeroLoss and DoubleTap technologies. DoubleTap technology allows shifting both up and down the cassette from a single lever -- this provides an intuitive connection between body and bike. ZeroLoss is an optimized pawl geometry to provide cable actuation as soon as you apply pressure to the shift lever. This offers the highest-level of smoothness and response in both upshifting and downshifting. It’s especially noticeable as you shift from the small to the big ring.

While the guts were good, racer beta and other feedback encouraged SRAM to enhance both the brake lever and shifter paddle’s shape and position. The improved, larger carbon shift paddle makes the act of shifting less of an effort. When you're at max power, shifting from the drops can sometimes feel overwhelming. As before, the carbon fiber brake and shift levers are independently reach-adjustable. However, easier access to the adjustment screws allows simple placement of these essential controls, where they’ll offer a custom connection to your hands. On the bell lap, this may mean the difference between shifting to the right gear, and not shifting at all.

One of the most appreciated features of SRAM shifters is their innovative cable routing, and the Red 22 Shifters continue that tradition. You can cleanly route the shift cables either on the inside or the outside of the bars. Regardless of your handlebar choice, you won't need to fret about being required to run cables in one single way. You can choose the routing that meets your preference in bar-feel.

The SRAM Red 22 Shifters come with a low-friction cable and housing kit for both derailleurs. Given the mechanics of DoubleTap shifting and the 11-speed calibration, please note that SRAM recommends that you use a complete SRAM Red 22 groupset, including both derailleurs, cassette, chain, and crankset.

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Perfection

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

For me this is perfection, as close to DI2 as you can get in a mechanical system. Install is easy, shift paddles are bigger, more comfortable, and as always they deliver accurate quick shifts with minimal lever throw.